Print Isn’t Dead

Print Isn’t Dead

Millennials grew up using technology at an early age, but when it comes to academic reading they prefer print materials over digital formats.

The finding comes from a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Reference & Instruction Librarian A. M. Salaz, alongside researchers from Qatar University and Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. The work builds on prior research showing that in many cases students perform better academically after working with print materials.

Salaz does not advocate a return to print; digital is here to stay. Instead, she said there are opportunities to continue research into optimizing the use of digital formats for effective use and learning.

“Many people seem to look at this research and immediately think it’s an argument for reverting to print forever, which is not how I see it,” Salaz said. “It’s an argument for being careful and thoughtful about how and where we deploy digital resources in learning contexts and for continuing to advance research into which devices, platforms, tools, behaviors and knowledge will move us toward erasing the digital disadvantages.”

The study’s findings could influence how instructors and librarians train students to interact with course materials that are increasingly available only in digital format. Read More at CMU News